First Period After Childbirth: What To Expect

The time when your periods return after a child birth is influenced majorly by the hormonal changes and breastfeeding. Women who do not breastfeed after childbirth will typically have their periods return by 6-8 weeks after childbirth. On the other hand, the women who exclusively breast feed their babies might take longer. This is because the hormone prolactin in the body that supports the production of breastmilk tends to supress the other reproductive hormones which in turn delays the ovulation and the return of menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle experience postpartum varies from those experienced before pregnancy in a few aspects which include:

· Menstrual flow may be heavier than normal

· Presence of clots in the bleeding

· Increased uterine cramps

· Irregular cycle

· Periods may last longer than normal

· Breast might feel more tender

· Variation in menstrual flow

The period experienced after childbirth may be more painful than normal due to hormonal changes and the excess shedding of the uterine lining during the cycle. In addition to that, the breast milk supply might lower and the taste of the breastmilk might also change a bit when you get your period.